Exile of the Godwins (sep 1, 1051 – sep 15, 1052)

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After a violent clash between the people of Dover and the visiting Eustace II, Count of Boulogne, Edward's brother-in-law, Godwin was ordered to punish the people of Dover (as he and Leofric, Earl of Mercia had done in Worcester, in Leofric's own earldom). This time, however, Godwin refused, choosing to champion his own countrymen against a (visiting) foreign ruler and his own king. Edward saw this as a test of power, and managed to enlist the support of Siward, Earl of Northumbria and Earl Leofric.

Godwin and his sons were exiled from the kingdom in September 1051. Godwin, along with his wife Gytha and sons Sweyn, Tostig and Gyrth sought refuge in Flanders, while his sons Leofwine and Harold fled to Dublin, where they gained the shelter and help of Diarmait mac Máel na mBó, King of Leinster. In spring of 1552 Edward got wind that Godwin was planning an invasion, he raised a fleet of 40 vessels to stop him an assembled it at Sandwich. It was captained by two of Edward's new earls, Ralph and Odda, and was probably enough of a deterrent.

When Godwin set sail in mid summer, he slipped past Sandwich and made a landing further along the Kent coast. He was pursued by Ralph and Odda and forced to keep moving. A storm led Godwin to return to Flanders and Ralph and Odda to return to Sandwich. However, Edward could not keep the navy - it had to return to London to receive new crews and this took to much time.

In late July or early August, Godwin set sail for England, Harrying the Isle of Wight on the way. He linked up with Harold and Leofwine , who had raised a fleet of their own from Ireland. Probably at the end of August, their combined armada sailed east along the coast of Sussex and Kent, seizing provisions, ships and hostages and recruiting more men. Edward had tried to raise an army, but they were slow to arrive.

The Godwins sailed up the Thames unopposed. On Monday 14th September they reached London and stationed themselves at Southwark. By now Edward had approximately 50 ships and a large army. The Godwins sent a demand to have their lands returned, which Edward refused, but public opinion was moving against Edward - perhaps because of the unpopularity of the prospect of a Norman succession and hostility to Edward's Norman advisers.

The tide and numbers were in Godwin's favour, and at high tide, Godwin's ships swung around and encircled Edward's forces and Godwin's men had to be restrained from attacking the royal forces. Negotiations and an exchange of hostages followed, but it was clear this was checkmate. Edward's Norman advisers mounted and fled, some going north and others west. Robert of Jumieges had to fight his way out of London's east gate, slaying those who tried to stop them and rushing to the headland of Essex, known as the Naze and fled to Normandy.
On the following (Tuesday) morning, Godwin ostentatiously 'begged' Edward's forgiveness. The king, impotent to do otherwise, granted forgiveness and restored Godwin and his sons to their lands. Archbishop Robert was declared an outlaw. Edith was brought back to the kings bedchamber. It was now clear that there was not going to be a Norman succession.

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